Healthy School Lunches (PCRM) : Join the Healthy School Lunch Revolution

Healthy School Lunches (PCRM) : Join the Healthy School Lunch Revolution

As you may know, Congress is writing a new law that would help schools provide healthier food for their students. I hope you find the following information on the Child Nutrition Act as exciting and compelling as I do.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (www.pcrm.org), a group comprising more than 8,000 doctors, nutritionists and dietitians is asking for support for a bill which would allow for healthier plant based options to be offered in schools

On April 21st American Moms and Dads, student activists, educators, physicians and other health practitioners will be contacting their representatives in Congress as Citizen Lobbyists voicing their concern for H.R. 4870 te Healthy School Meals Act of 2010. Now we need your help!

Request to your Congressman/woman:

Please co-sponsor H.R. 4870, the Healthy School Meals Act and make sure the provisions of the Healthy School Meals Act are included in the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization.

The Situation:

More than one-third of America’s children are overweight or obese. They are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, and many will live shorter lives than their parents.

Children need healthful, plant-based options in the lunch line because they are getting too much fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and not enough fruits and vegetables and fiber. Plant-based options are low in saturated fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in fiber.

Many schools can’t afford to serve healthier food. They need help from the government to offer all students healthful school lunch options.

Most schools do not offer students a nondairy milk substitute. Children who are lactose intolerant; avoid milk for religious or ethical reasons; or simply don’t like milk often have nothing to drink for lunch!
Many children are not getting calcium, vitamin D, and other key nutrients because schools do not provide them with a nutritious alternative.

The Solution:

H.R. 4870, the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010, will help schools provide healthful, plant-based foods and beverages in the school lunch program. This important bill would make more plant-based foods affordable and accessible to schools; give schools an incentive to offer students a plant-based entrée option every day; and ensure that children are unable to drink milk get a nutritious alternative beverage rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D in the lunch line.

Here are some talking points you can use when you call your representative:

I am a concerned voter asking Representative [NAME] to support the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010, H.R.4870, that will give students a fair chance at healthy school lunches.

I support legislation that will help schools offer students more fruits, vegetables, and other healthful foods.

To reduce calories and saturated fat in school meals, schools should include plant-based foods in their regular meal service.

All schools should also be able to provide nondairy milk upon request. In order to do so, they must have federal support.


I am very hopeful that we, the grassroots of America, can make a big difference on Wednesday, April 21, by becoming citizen lobbyists simply by calling to ask your representative in Washington to support H.R. 4870, the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010. You CAN make a difference ~~ Let your voice be heard!

http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/lobbyday/

PCRM's Director of Public Affairs Elizabeth Kucinich, who, along with a local student activist, will host a conference call on April 20th to coach how to get involved and lobby your Member of Congress. Hear more about the Healthy School Meals Act, why it is so important for the health of America's children, and how you can ask your Member of Congress to support it by contacting him or her directly on Wednesday, April 21.
Learn more at http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/lobbyday/
You can also register there as a Citizen Lobbyist. I did - and they even gave me all the contact info needed to reach my representatives. Sign up to be a citizen lobbyist and ask your friends and family to join in too!

What if we could have the greatest impact by hosting a call-in party before or after school for students, parents, and concerned citizens in your area? What if these groups mobilized throughout the USA? Would you agree that together we can make a difference for children's health?

For other questions contact: Ruby Lathon, Ph.D., PCRM's nutrition policy manager, at rlathon@pcrm.org.

You CAN make a difference ~~ Let your voice be heard!

http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/lobbyday/

Yours in Wellness, Gratitude and Community,
Suzen Sharda Segall

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Suzen Sharda Segall, Wellness Personal Trainer/Consultant, designer and facilitator of BodyArts Therapeutics, has provided an integrated approach to health and wellness for a wide variety of populations, internationally,for over thirty-five years